Buratai: Release of Tinubu Documents Could Embarrass Nigeria

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai (retd.), has warned the United States against releasing documents allegedly connected to past drug-trafficking investigations involving President Bola Tinubu.

Buratai said the release of such documents, particularly ahead of the 2027 general elections, could amount to foreign interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs and potentially influence the country’s electoral process.

He made the comments in a paper titled “Nigeria First: A Case for Protecting National Sovereignty and Dignity – A Patriotic and Non-Partisan Perspective,” published on his verified Facebook page.

The former army chief argued that the controversy should not be viewed simply as an issue involving Tinubu, saying the matter could have wider implications for Nigeria’s sovereignty, international reputation and political stability.

“This is not merely about Bola Tinubu; it is about 250 million Nigerians whose national pride, economic prospects, and global standing hang in the balance,” he said.

Buratai questioned the decision to revisit an issue dating back more than three decades, particularly if the documents could be used for political purposes as Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections.

He maintained that allegations involving Nigerian political leaders should be subjected to the country’s democratic and judicial institutions rather than becoming a tool for foreign influence.

According to him, releasing the documents before the 2027 elections could give foreign actors undue leverage over Nigeria’s political process and undermine the country’s sovereignty.

Buratai, however, stressed that defending Nigeria’s sovereignty should not be interpreted as a call to shield public officials from accountability.

He maintained that allegations against leaders could be investigated and addressed through appropriate legal channels while ensuring that the dignity of the Nigerian state and its institutions was respected.